When I explain to someone that there are several lines of

vehicle air filters available that are environmentally sound I

usually receive a quizzical look back from that person. For some

motorists the idea of environmentally compatible automotive

parts is a foreign concept to them. Yet, when you think about it

many parts that come standard on just about any vehicle

qualifies for that title. A catalytic converter is one part that

everyone knows about, even if they don't understand exactly how

one works. So, exactly what is an environmentally sound air

filter? Let's take a closer look for all the details.

As you probably know the air filter that comes with your car is

made predominately of paper with plastic molding holding the

filter together. If you change the air filter at recommended

intervals - once a year is common - you can easily go through 3,

5, or even 10 or more air filters depending on how long you keep

your car as well as how many miles you put on your car. All of

these air filters end up in your trash and then go straight to

the dump. The paper in the filter will probably disintegrate

quickly, but the plastic sits in place perhaps for thousands of

years.

If this sort of thing disturbs you then take heart. Thanks to

race car technology, manufacturers have developed reusable air

filters for many production vehicles. If you purchase one for

your vehicle it likely will be the last one you ever need. How

is that? Because a reusable air filter can be cleaned and put

back in your car over and over again. In fact, quality reusable

air filters are designed to outlast your car with many

guaranteed to last 500,000 miles or more, even up to one million

miles!

A reusable air filter costs more, with prices running

approximately 2-4 times the price of a standard air filter. If

you keep your car for any length of time you will get that money

back, but if do not you are still helping to show environmental

responsibility by keeping our landfills free of unnecessary

throw away parts.

Two additional benefits of a reusable air filter -- the type

that K&N and other top manufacturers produce -- is that it will

give your vehicle a boost in horsepower as your engine will run

more efficiently. Furthermore, a more efficient engine burns

less fuel so your fuel economy goes up too.

So, what is there not to like about a reusable air filter? In

reality, not much! By installing a reusable [or performance] air

filter you help the environment, realize a noticeable gain in

horsepower, and you burn less fuel. A true win-win-win

proposition, don't you agree?

About the author:

Copyright 2005 -- Matt Keegan is a car fan and automotive writer

for the Worlds

Best Air Filters internet shop, discount retailers of K&N

Intake and K&N

FIPK.